North Korean Refugees

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will give further consideration to the allocation of funds to assist North Korean refugees who have fled to China.

Baroness Amos: The Department for International Development provides funding to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its annual programme budget. It believes that the UNHCR is best placed to decide how and where to deploy this funding.
	The Department for International Development also responds to direct appeals from UNHCR for assistance with specific short-term refugee emergency situations and long-term reintegration programmes. To date, there have been no such appeals for North Korean refugees in China.

North Korean Refugees

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will raise with the Government of China the arrest and imprisonment of five South Korean aid workers, working as partners of Medecins Sans Frontieres, who have been gaoled by the Chinese for assisting North Korean refugees.

Baroness Amos: We raise a wide range of individual cases of concern, including North Korean border crossers, with the Chinese authorities. If more information on the five aid workers can be provided (incuding their names) we will consider how best to raise them with the Chinese authorities.
	Medecins Sans Frontieres representatives based in Seoul did not raise these cases at their meeting with FCO officials last week.

China: Human Rights

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they intend to re-evaluate their work with China on the issue of human rights in the light of criticisms made in the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Human Rights Annual Report 2002.

Baroness Amos: We are currently considering the recommendations in the Foreign Affairs Committee report on our human rights dialogue with China.
	We and our EU and other major western partners share a common approach of critical engagement and dialogue with China on human rights. We believe this is the best way to promote human rights improvements in China.
	Our objectives for the dialogue and a report on the dialogue process over the past year are set out in the FCO Annual Human Rights Report. Joan

China: One-Child Policy

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	On how many occasions in the past five years they have raised the one-child policy with Chinese Government officials; and what has been the Chinese Government's response.

Baroness Amos: The Government have raised China's one-child policy with Chinese Ministers and officials on several occasions in the past five years, including at the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue.
	In May 2002, the Chinese State Family Planning Minister told my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for International Development that China's new population and family planning law, introduced in September 2002, would enshrine citizens' rights and the responsibilities of family planning officials. He indicated that the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) human-centred reproductive health programme, in which birth targets and quotas have been abolished, would be expanded beyond the 32 counties included in UNFPA's current programme. The Minister added that China's eventual aim was to end the system of birth targets and quotas.
	We do not question China's right (or need) to implement family planning policies but we have emphasised our view that this should be based on free and informed parental choice and not on coercion. We have condemned family planning abuses.

Guantanamo Bay Detainees

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they believe that the United States is treating the prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay in accordance with the Geneva Convention.

Baroness Amos: The question of the status of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay under international humanitarian law is complex and has to be considered in the light of the facts relating to each individual detainee. Their treatment under the Geneva Conventions would depend on their precise status. We have made clear our position that, whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment, and, if prosecuted, a fair trial.
	The US has assured us that it is treating the detainees humanely and in accordance with the principles of the Geneva Conventions. British officials have visited the detainees on four occasions to check on their welfare, raising some issues which the detainees have asked them to with the US authorities. The International Committee of the Red Cross has access to the detainees and we understand can, if necessary, raise any issues of concern with the camp authorities.

Guantanamo Bay Detainees

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they believe that the prisoners currently held by the United States Government at Guantanamo Bay are being treated with dignity; and whether their human rights are being respected.

Baroness Amos: We are conscious of the importance of safeguarding the detainees' welfare and have visited them on four occasions to check on this. The physical conditions of their detention appear to be satisfactory in broad terms. However, we have raised with the US authorities a number of issues of concern which the detainees or their families have asked us to. The International Committee of the Red Cross has access to the detainees and can, if necessary, raise any issues with the US authorities.
	The issue of the detainees' rights under international law is linked, at least in part, to the question of their status. It is not possible to determine the detainees' status without access to all the facts of the individual cases. We believe that, whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment and, if prosecuted, a fair trial. We have made this clear to the US. The US has assured us it will treat the detainees humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Conventions.bjc

Belfast Agreement: Equality of Treatment

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 12 March (WA 85) concerning the Belfast Agreement of 1998, whether both governments will ensure equality of treatment to all groups.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: Her Majesty's Government will seek to meet all their obligations under the agreement, including those relating to equality of opportunity, as we believe will the Irish Government.

Northern Ireland: Rate Relief

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will consider de-rating the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Loyal Orange Lodge and Gaelic Athletic Association premises as a method of supporting rural community development in Northern Ireland.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: Existing legislation in Northern Ireland allows a measure of rate relief on any hall where the wider community uses the facilities. Typically uses such as Sunday schools, community based youth clubs, OAP clubs, playgroups and church meetings are considered "charitable" and apportioned out as exempt. The degree of relief available is in direct proportion to the use of the facility for charitable and broad community purposes. There is no upper limit on the amount of relief available if the relevant criteria are satisfied.
	The position in relation to GAA premises, and indeed other sports clubs such as soccer, cricket, rugby etc, is different, as relief for certain properties used for recreation is available under Article 31 of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977. A reduction of 65 per cent of rates liability is allowed in respect of all, or part, of properties used for purposes of a recreation, specified by the Department of Finance and Personnel. The property has to be occupied by a club or society that is not established or conducted for profit and, broadly speaking, does not employ professional players.
	The review of rating policy launched by the Executive in 2000 is reaching its final stages and I can confirm that existing reliefs including sport and recreational relief and that which allows exemption from rates for properties used for public, charitable and certain other functions such as "public religious worship" are currently under consideration. No decisions have yet been taken. It is intended that these issues will be addressed in a policy paper to be published later in the year. bern

Republic of Ireland Civil Servants Working in Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 12 March (WA 185), whether the Republic of Ireland civil servants working in Northern Ireland take an oath of allegiance to the Irish state.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: This is a matter for the Government of the Republic of Ireland. I would advise the noble Lord to write directly to the Department of Finance at Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2. The Department of Finance is the relevant authority for personnel matters in the Civil Service within the Republic of Ireland.

Waterways Ireland Headquarters

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether there are plans to build a new headquarters for Waterways Ireland in Fermanagh; how much it is projected to cost; and what is the current status of the project.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: It was agreed at the North-South Ministerial Council plenary meeting in December 1999 that Waterways Ireland's headquarters should be located in Enniskillen. Subsequently, with the agreement of the North/South Ministerial Council, Waterways Ireland invited design proposals for the construction of a new headquarters building. The estimated cost of the building is £8 million. Any decision to proceed with this project will be a matter for devolved Ministers when devolution is restored.

Northern Ireland Office Victims Liaison Unit Core Funding

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Who was awarded funding from the Northern Ireland Office Victims Liaison Unit core funding for victims and survivor groups administered by the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council as announced on 19 March; and how much was each award.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: Table 1 below provides details of the groups which were awarded funding under the core funding scheme 2003–05.
	Groups were notified of their awards by the Community Relations Council on 19 March and have 28 days within which to seek a review if they feel they have grounds for doing so. The figures provided may be subject to change as a result of any such review. Janice
	
		Victims' Groups' Core Funding 2003–05: Table 1 -- Successful Applications
		
			 No Group Name Award £ 
			 1 Aisling Centre 50,407 
			 2 Ashton Centre 52,797 
			 3 Ballymurphy Women's Centre 41,239 
			 4 C.A.L.M.S. 79,237 
			 5 Contact Youth 55,065 
			 6 Corpus Christi Services 77,844 
			 7 Cunamh 99,705 
			 8 Derry Well Women 50,960 
			 9 DPOA 1,000 
			 10 F.A.C.T. 48,536 
			 11 F.A.I.R. 93,255 
			 12 F.O.D.D. 46,531 
			 13 Firinne 75,602 
			 14 H.A.V.E.N. 49,838 
			 15 ICPD 41,934 
			 16 Koram Centre 86,246 
			 17 Lenadoon Community Counselling Project 51,409 
			 18 Lifeline 12,500 
			 19 Lifeways Psychotherapy/Counselling Centre 63,025 
			 20 M.A.S.T. 26,438 
			 21 Make Your Mark 51,836 
			 22 New Life Counselling Service 33,930 
			 23 Nexus Institute 22,392 
			 24 NI Music Therapy Trust 29,284 
			 25 NOVA Project 160,417 
			 26 Regimental Association of UDR 55,552 
			 27 Relatives For Justice 155,758 
			 28 S.A.V.E.R./N.A.V.E.R. 79,968 
			 29 S.E. Fermanagh Foundation 81,000 
			 30 Shankill Stress and Trauma Group 115,154 
			 31 South Down Action for Healing Wounds 78,100 
			 32 Springhill Community House 61,576 
			 33 Streetbeat Youth Project 58,040 
			  
			 34 Survivors of Trauma 86,714 
			 35 Tara Centre 84,137 
			 36 The Cross Group 8,345 
			 37 The ELY Centre 79,253 
			 38 The Wider Circle 51,054 
			 39 United Services Club Victims Survivors Gp 45,951 
			 40 VAST 79,778 
			 41 WAVE Trauma Centre, Armagh 85,684 
			 42 WAVE Trauma Centre, Ballymoney 58,780 
			 43 WAVE Trauma Centre, Belfast 81,594 
			 44 WAVE Trauma Centre, Omagh 76,122 
			 45 WAVE Trauma Centre, Londonderry/Derry 72,936 
			 46 West Tyrone Voice 104,505 
			 47 & 48 Decisions deferred

Northern Ireland Office Victims Liaison Unit Core Funding

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much was paid to the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council by the Northern Ireland Office Victims Liaison Unit for administrating the core funding for victims and survivors groups' scheme for each year since formation.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: In October 2002, following an open tendering process, the Community Relations Council (CRC) was appointed to administer the core funding scheme 2003–05. To date, the CRC has been paid £32,850 administration costs.

Northern Ireland: Planning

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many planning applications have been refused by the Planning Appeals Commission in Northern Ireland since the publication of Planning Policy Statement 7 in draft on the basis of over-development or adverse impact on the surrounding character of an area where the application did not relate to an area of townscape character or conservation area.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: I have been advised by the Chief Commissioner of the Planning Appeals Commission that the commission does not collate information on this basis. To provide it would result in disproportionate costs being incurred. John B

Northern Ireland: Planning

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the percentage of planning decisions by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment which were overturned at the subsequent planning appeal each year from 1990 to 1996; and in what percentage of Article 33 appeals the Planning Appeals Commission position differed from the department's position in each year from 1990 to date.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The percentage of planning decisions by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment overturned at the subsequent planning appeal under Article 32 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 for each financial year from 1990 to 1996 is as follows:
	
		
			 Year Total Decisions Number of Appeals Number of Appeals Upheld % of Total Decisions overturned % of Appeals Upheld 
			 1990–91 17,659 390 82 0.46 21 
			 1991–92 17,148 389 93 0.54 24 
			 1992–93 18,336 317 83 0.45 26 
			 1993–94 16,845 250 69 0.41 28 
			 1994–95 18,403 269 64 0.35 24 
			 1995–96 17,983 250 83 0.46 33 
			 1996–97 18,495 217 85 0.46 39 
		
	
	Article 33 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 refers to the right of the applicant to an appeal "in default of a planning decision". When there is an appeal of non-determination of any application for consent under Article 33 or other equivalent statutory provision, this has the effect of transferring jurisdiction on the determination of the application from the department to the Planning Appeals Commission, which is required to deal with the appeal as though planning permission had been refused. In these circumstances, the department will present its view to the commission as to the outcome of the application, but this is a recommendation only and is not formally recorded on the Planning Service statistical database.
	bern

Northern Ireland: Planning

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What protection a building of local importance has in Northern Ireland if it is deemed by the Environment and Heritage Service to be unworthy of protection through listing and is not in an area of townscape character or conservation area; and, if none, what impact this lack of protection has on townscapes, given the current policy in the regional development strategy for increased development within settlements.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: Statutory protection currently extends only to buildings listed as being of special architectural or historic interest under Article 42 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 and buildings located within a conservation area designated under Article 50 of the same order.
	It is intended when the relevant provisions of the Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 are brought into operation later this year to control the demolition of buildings within areas of townscape character.
	These provisions also allow for the making of direction orders which would extend demolition control to other buildings. While no decision has been made regarding the further extension of demolition control, the position will be kept under review.
	The regional development strategy promotes a drive to provide more housing within existing urban areas. However, in considering the impact of such development on existing residential townscapes, current policy advises that planning permission will not be granted where it would result in damage to the local character, environmental quality or residential amenity of such areas. bern

Committee on Standards in Public Life:Ninth Report

Lord Peston: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they expect to receive the ninth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The Prime Minister announced today that the ninth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, entitled Defining the Boundaries within the Executive: Ministers, Special Advisers and the permanent Civil Service, has been published by the committee. Copies are available in the Vote Office and the Libraries.

Iraq: Humanitarian Obligations

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish the guidance given to civil servants and members of the coalition armed forces about their obligations under international and domestic humanitarian law during the military conflict in Iraq.

Lord Bach: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on 3 April 2003 (WA 148) in terms of the guidance issued to British civil servants and service personnel.
	I am not in a position to publish the guidance issued to civil servants and members of coalition armed forces from other countries. That is a matter for their governments. I have no doubt, however, that our coalition partners fully understand their obligations to work within the framework of international law.

Gulf Troops: Free Letters and Packets

Lord Corbett of Castle Vale: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What plans they have to allow families to send free letters and packets to service personnel in the Gulf.

Lord Bach: Further to the announcement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister on 2 April in another place, we can now set out the way in which we intend to implement a service to allow families to send packets free of charge to troops deployed in the Gulf. This service will be limited to letters and packets of up to 2kg in weight and will be implemented when the operational situation allows. The priority at this time must remain the operational requirements of our service personnel.
	The system will allow families to send addressed letters and packets to individuals serving in the Gulf through Post Office Counters free of charge. The Royal Mail Group will transport these parcels to British Forces Post Office (BFPO) at Mill Hill. BFPO will arrange onward transportation to the Gulf and distribution in theatre. Mechanisms are being put in place to handle the anticipated increase in mail. Further details will be announced nearer the time when we are ready to implement the new procedures.
	For the free service to work for the benefit of all, we would ask families to restrict the number of packets they send in order that the system does not become overwhelmed, thus creating delays in delivery of mail.John B
	This scheme is aimed only at those closest to the service personnel who are serving in this operation. We will not be providing a service for packages which do not have a named recipient. This will help to ensure that the new scheme for letters and packets is well targeted without overloading the logistics support network and delaying vital messages and packages from loved ones. For those who might wish to show more general support for our troops, we would encourage contributions to the UK Forces Gulf Fund (details available at www.ukforcesgulffund.org and 0800 107 0200) which has recently been set up to allow the public to support those injured as a result of their deployment in support of military operations in the Gulf and the families and dependants of those who have been killed.

Royal Navy Nuclear Submarine Berthing, Clyde

Lord Hardy of Wath: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether a contract has been awarded for the Royal Navy submarine berthing facility at HM Naval Base Clyde.

Lord Bach: The Ministry of Defence's contract for the provision of new jetties in support of the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet at HM Naval Base Clyde was awarded on 31 March 2003 to AMEC plc.
	Amec has been awarded the design, construction and commissioning contract, worth approximately £100 million, as part of its existing prime contract.
	The contract will provide a floating jetty facility that provides four alongside berths, two of which are double berths, thereby giving six fully serviced berthing positions. The construction is due to be completed by 2007.

Military Service: Compensation Tribunal

Lord Morris of Manchester: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the tribunal which applies the standard of proof of reasonable doubt to compensation cases related to medical conditions caused or aggravated by military service is operating satisfactorily.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act 1943 provides a right of appeal to the pensions appeal tribunals in cases where the Secretary of State does not accept a claim for a war pension, under certain conditions.
	In 2001, the Government consulted widely on a document The joint compensation review. The aim was to produce proposals to replace the current compensation scheme with modern, fair and simpler arrangements while ensuring that appopriate benefits are targeted at those most disabled, and to reduce the number of claims for compensation which have to be settled in court.
	My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence is currrently considering the responses to this consultation and will bring forward proposals in due course. John B

European Convention on Human Rights, Protocol 4

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they intend to ratify Protocol 4 to the European Convention on Human Rights .

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The matter is under consideration as part of the Government's interdepartmental review of international human rights instruments. The review is due to report to Ministers by this summer. I shall report the outcome shortly thereafter.

NHS: Free Prescriptions for People over 60

Lord Lipsey: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much it cost the National Health Service to provide free prescriptions to people aged 60 and over in the last year for which figures are available.

Baroness Andrews: In 2001–02 it is estimated that around 322 million prescription items were dispensed in the community in England free of charge for people aged 60 and over, with an estimated net ingredient cost of £3,218 million.

NHS: Voucher Scheme for Spectacles

Lord Lipsey: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much the National Health Service voucher scheme for glasses cost in the last year for which figures are available.

Baroness Andrews: In 2001–02 an estimated 3.6 million vouchers for spectacles and 0.4 million applications for repairs and replacements of spectacles were reimbursed by health authorities in England, at a costof £139 million.

NHS: Dental Check-ups

Lord Lipsey: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much it would cost to provide National Health Service dental check-ups free to every adult in England.

Baroness Andrews: About a quarter of dental examinations carried out on adults in England in the General Dental Service have either no patient charge or else the patient pays a reduced charge. It is estimated that making dental examinations free to every adult in England would cost approximately £87 million at 2002–03 charge rates and current demand. Additional costs would arise if there were any associated increase in the overall number of dental examinations and National Heath Service dental treatments. Joan

NHS: Eyesight Tests

Lord Lipsey: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much it would cost to offer eye tests free to every adult in England, taking into account both Department of Health guidance that the appropriate interval between eye tests for the majority of adults is two years and likely take-up; and
	How much it would cost to offer National Health Service eye tests to every adult in England at the current subsidised rate of £16.72, taking into account both Department of Health guidance that the appropriate interval between eye tests for the majority of adults is two years and likely take-up.

Baroness Andrews: Based on the current number of private sight tests, the cost of extending National Health Service sight tests to this group, at the current rate of £16.72, would be an additional £80 million for England.
	It is not possible to estimate whether such a change would lead to any additional sight tests being undertaken.
	NHS sight tests are already available to certain priority groups, mainly people aged 60 and over, children under 16, those aged 16-18 in full-time education, people on low incomes who might otherwise be deterred by the cost of a private sight test and defined categories of people at particular risk of developing eye disease.

Education of Children in Care

Baroness Billingham: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps have been taken to fulfil the commitment in the Department of Health's public service agreement to review the target for the education of children in care in light of the Social Exclusion Unit project on that subject.

Baroness Andrews: I regret the reply on children in care I gave on 31 March (WA 107–8) was incorrect. It should have read as follows:
	The Department of Health's public service agreement (PSA), published July 2002, included a commitment to review the target on the education of children in care in light of the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) project on that subject. Work on the SEU project is nearing completion and we are now in a position to announce the new target, which is to improve life chances for children, including by substantially narrowing the gap between the educational attainment and participation of children in care and that of their peers by 2006.
	This target will have been achieved if by 2006: outcomes for 11 year-olds in English and maths are at least 60 per cent as good as those of their peers; the proportion who become disengaged from education is reduced so that no more than 10 per cent reach school-leaving age without having sat a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) equivalent exam; and the proportion of those aged 16 who get qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs graded A*-C has risen on average by 4 percentage points each year since 2002; and in all authorities at least 15 per cent of young people in care achieve this level of qualifications. John B
	The elements of the PSA target relating to the level of education, training and employment outcomes for care leavers aged 19, the proportion of children in care who are cautioned or convicted and the under-18 conception rate remain unchanged.
	In developing the target we have been keen to encourage action to support attainment by all children in care. This includes younger children, those who are able to and have the potential to achieve at a high level and those with difficulties who need support to remain engaged with education at all.
	We therefore welcome the SEU's proposal that as part of the existing planning process individual education targets should be set for all children in care and local authorities should monitor both the appropriateness and the achievement of these targets. We will be consulting stakeholders on how best to achieve this.
	In order that the target reflects the influence of the care system on attainment, it will apply only to children who have been in care for one year or more. Nonetheless, we believe that promoting the attainment of children who spend a shorter time in care is important. We have therefore agreed with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills that he will put in place arrangements to analyse data from the Pupil Level Annual School Census in order to improve our understanding of outcomes for those young people who have spent any time in care. The results of this analysis will be used to inform the development of future policy.
	Copies of the technical note accompanying the new PSA target have been placed in the Library.

Neighbourhood Renewal Fund

Lord Brett: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much the 88 most deprived local authority areas in England will each receive from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund over the period 2004–05 to 2005–06.

Lord Rooker: In my Written Answer on Friday 4 April (WA 152–53) I announced that we would be making available £800 million to local authorities from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) in 2004–05 and 2005–06 as part of our strategy to revitalise England's poorest neighbourhoods and create places where people want to live, not leave.
	I am today announcing the details of individual allocations for each of the 88 local authorities that are eligible for NRF. These are set out in the table below.
	
		Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Allocations 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06
		
			 Local Authority Names NRF Allocation 2003–04 (£ m) NRF Allocation 2004–05 (£ m) NRF Allocation 2005–06 (£ m) 
			 Allerdale 0.855494 0.855494 0.855494 
			 Ashfield 0.963610 0.963610 0.963610 
			 Barking and Dagenham 1.632728 1.632728 1.632728 
			 Barnsley 5.444138 5.444138 5.444138 
			 Barrow-in-Furness 1.838382 1.838382 1.838382 
			 Birmingham 22.043488 22.043488 22.043488 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 4.334824 4.334824 4.334824 
			 Blackpool 3.007888 3.007888 3.007888 
			 Bolsover 1.468832 1.468832 1.468832 
			 Bolton 5.425706 5.425706 5.425706 
			 Bradford 9.811898 9.811898 9.811898 
			 Brent 2.279124 2.279124 2.279124 
			 Brighton & Hove 1.368876 1.368876 1.368876 
			 Bristol 3.565266 3.565266 3.565266 
			 Burnley 1.273270 1.273270 1.273270 
			 Camden 4.218670 4.218670 4.218670 
			 Coventry 5.289550 5.289550 5.289550 
			 Croydon 0.581248 0.581248 0.581248 
			 Derby 3.250468 3.250468 3.250468 
			 Derwentside 1.482310 1.482310 1.482310 
			 Doncaster 8.789850 8.789850 8.789850 
			 Dudley 1.520564 1.520564 1.520564 
			 Ealing 0.917076 0.917076 0.917076 
			 Easington 4.433270 4.433270 4.433270 
			 Enfield 1.859594 1.859594 1.859594 
			 Gateshead 4.642852 4.642852 4.642852 
			 Great Yarmouth 1.987230 1.987230 1.987230 
			 Greenwich 3.881452 3.881452 3.881452 
			 Hackney 11.765406 11.765406 11.765406 
			 Halton 3.928410 3.928410 3.928410 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 1.033290 1.033290 1.033290 
			 Haringey 5.334814 5.334814 5.334814 
			 Hartlepool 3.137518 3.137518 3.137518 
			 Hastings 1.375160 1.375160 1.375160 
			 Hyndburn 1.293636 1.293636 1.293636 
			 Islington 6.270020 6.270020 6.270020 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 1.080670 1.080670 1.080670 
			 Kerrier 1.610488 1.610488 1.610488 
			  
			 Kingston upon Hull 7.507272 7.507272 7.507272 
			 Kirklees 2.992056 2.992056 2.992056 
			 Knowsley 7.390938 7.390938 7.390938 
			 Lambeth 2.421686 2.421686 2.421686 
			 Leeds 8.395582 8.395582 8.395582 
			 Leicester 8.376970 8.376970 8.376970 
			 Lewisham 2.452506 2.452506 2.452506 
			 Lincoln 0.400000 0.400000 0.400000 
			 Liverpool 20.132706 20.132706 20.132706 
			 Luton 1.509866 1.509866 1.509866 
			 Manchester 20.595082 20.595082 20.595082 
			 Mansfield 2.298642 2.298642 2.298642 
			 Middlesbrough 5.249302 5.249302 5.249302 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 6.843050 6.843050 6.843050 
			 Newham 13.331960 13.331960 13.331960 
			 North Tyneside 3.073580 3.073580 3.073580 
			 Nottingham 9.245880 9.245880 9.245880 
			 Oldham 4.673976 4.673976 4.673976 
			 Pendle 1.960942 1.960942 1.960942 
			 Penwith 0.829146 0.829146 0.829146 
			 Plymouth 2.114140 2.114140 2.114140 
			 Portsmouth 0.956660 0.956660 0.956660 
			 Preston 2.520434 2.520434 2.520434 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 3.472138 3.472138 3.472138 
			 Rochdale 4.877998 4.877998 4.877998 
			 Rotherham 3.668606 3.668606 3.668606 
			 Salford 5.440814 5.440814 5.440814 
			 Sandwell 8.050568 8.050568 8.050568 
			 Sedgefield 1.138926 1.138926 1.138926 
			 Sefton 5.631300 5.631300 5.631300 
			 Sheffield 9.580862 9.580862 9.580862 
			 South Tyneside 5.382194 5.382194 5.382194 
			 Southampton 0.861780 0.861780 0.861780 
			 Southwark 7.912358 7.912358 7.912358 
			 St Helens 3.873114 3.873114 3.873114 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 3.852204 3.852204 3.852204 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 4.033744 4.033744 4.033744 
			 Sunderland 7.163770 7.163770 7.163770 
			 Tameside 1.340230 1.340230 1.340230 
			 Tower Hamlets 10.623640 10.623640 10.623640 
			 Wakefield 4.439314 4.439314 4.439314 
			 Walsall 7.121950 7.121950 7.121950 
			 Waltham Forest 2.553490 2.553490 2.553490 
			 Wandsworth 0.400000 0.400000 0.400000 
			 Wansbeck 1.379330 1.379330 1.379330 
			 Wear Valley 1.706214 1.706214 1.706214 
			 Westminster 1.497296 1.497296 1.497296 
			 Wigan 2.725242 2.725242 2.725242 
			 Wirral 5.075192 5.075192 5.075192 
			 Wolverhampton 5.928270 5.928270 5.928270 
			 Totals 400.000 400.000 400.000

Elected Regional Assemblies:Soundings Exercise

Baroness Rendell of Babergh: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will be giving people another chance to respond to their soundings exercise on the level of interest in each English region in holding a referendum about establishing an elected regional assembly in light of the amendments made to the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill.

Lord Rooker: Following changes made to the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill, my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Local Government, the Regions and Fire is writing today to all Members in the English regions outside London to follow up his earlier letter about the soundings exercise on the level of interest in holding a referendum about establishing an elected regional assembly. Voters in two-tier local authority areas will now have a say about the form of unitary local government relating to their area that would be introduced if an elected assembly is established.
	Those who have already responded to this exercise are also being contacted again. In both cases, we are making it clear that we will consider further evidence or comments if people's views have changed in light of the amendments. We do not expect this to cause many people to change their minds about their response to the soundings exercise, but if people have changed their minds we would be happy to receive further views, information and evidence on this matter. If their response remains the same, they do not need to take any action; their original response will be considered as before. Additionally, any individual or organisation who did not previously submit comments but now wishes to put forward views, information or evidence on the level of interest in a referendum can do so.
	Copies of the revised pro forma have been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses. They are also available from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website via www.odpm.gov.uk. Responses to this additional phase of the soundings exercise are requested by 16 May, since the Secretary of State is likely to take his decision shortly after that. bjc

Disabled People: Restrictions

Lord Campbell of Croy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they intend to introduce legislation in the near future to make progress in removing, where possible, obstacles and restrictions which hamper the lives of disabled people.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: My honourable friend the Minister for Disabled People (Maria Eagle) will shortly be laying regulations to implement disability provisions of the Article 13 Employment Directive. These will protect disabled people from discrimination where they work for, or seek jobs with, over 1 million small employers.
	My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Smith) announced on 22 January (Official Report col 12WS) that he would be publishing a draft Disability Bill later this year aimed at including further proposals outlined in our consultation document Towards Inclusion. The exact scope and content of the Bill are yet to be finalised, but we would expect the new provisions to help tackle many of the difficulties disabled people can face in society.
	In addition, last year my honourable friend the Minister for Disabled People laid regulations which in October 2004 will bring into effect legislation requiring service providers to take reasonable steps to tackle physical barriers experienced by disabled people in gaining access to their services. She also recently laid regulations which will make it easier for people who are registered or certified in Great Britain as blind or partially-sighted gain protection under the DDA. These come into force on 14 April 2003.

EU Travel on Parliamentary Business

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: asked the Chairman of Committees:
	What steps have been taken to implement the resolution of 5 March concerning EU travel on parliamentary business.

Lord Brabazon of Tara: On 5 March the House approved a resolution, moved by the Leader of the House, authorising, with effect from 1 April, a new allowance to enable Members to claim reimbursement of travel and subsistence costs for up to two visits per year on parliamentary business to the EU institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg or Strasbourg or to the national parliament of an EU state or candidate country. The House Committee discussed the new allowance on 1 April, and the committee's third report, which was published today (HL Paper 84), describes how it will be administered. bern

Young People who Sexually Abuse

The Earl of Listowel: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they are taking to develop a strategy to address the needs and risks associated with children who sexually abuse; and whether they will publish a timetable for action.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton: This Government are already taking a number of steps to address the needs and risks associated with young people who sexually abuse. The Home Office-sponsored Youth Justice Board issued in November effective practice guidance to youth offending teams to help to ensure that current work with young sexual abusers is as effective as possible. We are also funding a study into the characteristics of children and young people who sexually abuse. This is due to report in December 2005. In addition, we have established a two-year pilot developing assessment tools and programmes in three juvenile establishments for 15 to 21 year olds; and the Youth Justice Board is currently mapping services for young sexual abusers nationwide in conjunction with the National Organisation for the Treatment of Abusers and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This is due to report in the autumn.
	The Home Office and Youth Justice Board have also set up an interdepartmental working group with the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills to look at the whole issue of young people who sexually abuse. We will consider the further timetable when this has completed its work and in the light of what resources will be required. Joan

National Emergency Warnings

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 25 March (HL Deb, col. 652), what agreements they have reached with terrestrial, cable and satellite broadcasters that will ensure that any special national warning will be in a format that is accessible by those who have hearing and sight impairment.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton: Our current arrangement for warning the public about major emergencies involves using the broadcasters and their full range of services. This includes TV (with sign language or subtitles as necessary), radio including minority language broadcasts, Teletext, Ceefax and through websites. Such arrangements are appropriate to existing and anticipated threat levels.
	These major emergency information procedures are separate from the National Attack Warning System (which my right honourable friend Lord Macdonald of Tradeston described on 12 March). This system is maintained by the Government for use in general war to alert the public. However, plans also provide for a considerable amount of public education material to be produced in the period of tension which would precede the need to invoke use of the system. This would ensure that no members of the public were disadvantaged by disability or language needs. John B

Iraq: Postwar Reconstruction

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will place a resolution before the United Nations Security Council to ensure United Nations support for a strategy for the postwar reconstruction of Iraq, when appropriate.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We will seek new UN Security Council resolutions to affirm Iraq's integrity to ensure a rapid delivery of humanitarian relief and endorse an appropriate post-conflict administration for Iraq.

Iraq: Postwar Reconstruction

The Earl of Sandwich: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will support a United States-led administration in post-war Iraq; whether they would participate in such an administration; on what experience an administration would be based; and how they envisage the timetable for reconstruction, based on a United Nations resolution.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: In the days immediately following the cessation of military activity, a US-led military coalition will provide security. The United States Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA), headed by General Jay Garner (Rtd), will co-ordinate civil relief and humanitarian asistance. UK personnel will be attached to ORHA.
	We aim to ensure UN endorsement, of and involvement in, post-Saddam administration of Iraq in order to secure the widest possible international support to rebuild Iraq as soon as possible. We are also discussing with partners the possibility of a UN Special Representative for Iraq.
	A UN Security Council Resolution allowing the current Oil for Food programme to continue has now been unanimously passed. We will also seek new UN resolutions to affirm Iraq's territorial integrity, ensure rapid delivery of humanitarian relief and endorse an appropriate post-conflict administration for Iraq. We want to see Iraqis running their own affairs as soon as possible. bjc

European Security and Defence Policy: Effect of Differences over Iraq

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What implications they consider the policies of Germany and France towards Iraq have for the European Defence and Security Policy and for the formulation of a meaningful common foreign policy.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The European Union is continuing to make progress on the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The detailed arrangements inplementing the Berlin plus agreement for the EU to make use of NATO assets and capabilities were recently agreed. This agreement has enabled the EU to launch the first military ESDP operation in Macedonia. Differences over Iraq have not prevented, and need not prevent, European nations working constructively together to achieve shared objectives in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and ESDP.

Iraq: Coalition Forces

The Earl of Sandwich: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many countries are now providing (a) ground, naval and air forces and (b) logistical support for the United States-led coalition in Iraq; what is meant by a "coalition"; what are the coalition's objectives; and which countries are involved.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The military action against Saddam Hussein's regime has seen various levels of support by a broad coalition of over 40 countries. Some 20 countries are providing, or have offered, military forces to the coalition and supporting activity. Some other nations are providing logistical support. It is for the individual countries concerned to decide if they wish to declare publicly the nature of their involvement. The UK's overall objective for the military campaign is to create the conditions in which Iraq disarms in accordance with its obligations under UNSCRs and remains so disarmed in the long-term. bjc

Regional Assemblies: Functions

The Earl of Caithness: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What powers and functions which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs currently exercises will be transferred to the proposed regional assemblies.

Lord Whitty: The White Paper Your Region, Your Choice [Cm 5511] sets out the functions that elected regional assemblies will have in chapter 4. The policy areas of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are addressed in paragraphs 4.49–4.53. Rural policy
	4.49 The Government's aim is to sustain and enhance the distinctive environment, economy and social fabric of the English countryside for the benefit of everyone. In order to ensure this aim is met, all major policies are assessed for their rural impact. It will be important to ensure that elected regional assemblies "rural proof" their activities fully to take the rural dimension into account.
	4.50 An elected assembly will:
	be responsible for delivering rural regeneration programmes (including the Market Towns Initiative);
	actively engage with the regional rural affairs forum;
	be the lead partner in implementing the regional elements of the England Rural Development Programme, through involvement in the regional programming groups which monitor and influence delivery by the Rural Development Service (the specific details of this role might be expanded once proposals come forward for a successor programme in 2006); and
	have a responsibility to ensure that countryside, landscape, recreation and rural issues are addressed in other regional strategies, for example through regional planning guidance and regional cultural strategies. Environment
	4.51 The Government's aim is to protect and improve the environment and to integrate the environment with other policies across all levels of governance within the UK and in international fora. Effective protection of the environment requires activity on many wide-ranging fronts—for example, from acting to limit global environmental threats (such as climate change) to safeguarding individuals from the effects of poor air quality or toxic chemicals.
	4.52 An elected assembly will:
	make appointments to the Environment Agency's regional committee;
	prepare and implement a regional strategy for biodiversity in conjunction with other relevant regional strategies;
	prepare and oversee the implementation of the waste element of the regional spatial strategy;
	be consulted by the Environment Agency, Countryside Agency, English Nature and other relevant public bodies on their strategies, and consult them in turn.
	4.53 Defra has undertaken a major consultation on flood defence arrangements. That consultation canvasses opinions on a regional role in flood defence responsibilities, taking into account the proposed establishment of elected regional assemblies. The findings of this consultation exercise will be considered as part of the Government's ongoing process of decentralising relevant responsibilities to elected assemblies.
	The Government recently concluded from the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review that the responsibility for flood and coastal defence funding should not be passed to the future elected regional assemblies. But the Government announced that the new approach to flood and coastal defence funding will be subject to review after three years of operation, taking account of the Government's regional agenda among other factors.